Prepare yourself for college - Build your network for life.
Membership into the National Society of High School Scholars is by invitation only to high-achieving students who have met at least one of our rigorous academic criteria. NSHSS provides members with lifetime access to a variety of experiences and resources including scholarship opportunities, leadership programs, volunteer activities, member events, partner offers and a network of academically-outstanding peers. NSHSS members are making an impact in their schools, communities and the world.
What our members say
"Through my scholarship with NSHSS and The Intern Group, I worked in Medellin, Colombia for six weeks as a strategy intern at one of the city's top aesthetic surgery clinics, interviewing clients and helping craft a customer retention plan. It was an amazing experience that allowed me to fulfill my goal of working in a Spanish-speaking country. While interning abroad, I greatly improved my Spanish, made several long-lasting friendships with students all over the world, fell in love with Colombian culture, and gained valuable work experience that helped me secure an awesome internship at Doctors Without Borders. My advice to potential NSHSS members is to not only join, but get involved! I didn't expect to win the scholarship, but I'm so grateful I applied since it was truly one of the best experiences I've had."
"I believe the National Society of High School Scholars has impacted my life by encouraging me to pursue academic excellence that will eventually culminate in an improvement in global health services. To all potential members, the National Society of High School Scholars will provide you with an unparalleled network of opportunities for global improvement."
"The CIA STEM Camp was an amazing experience that helped me explore a new career path. Because of the camp, I am now considering becoming an engineer instead of a psychologist. Talking to the staff, especially the engineers, really inspired me! The agency members are all extremely kind and welcoming, they answered all our questions and explained their roles. I recommend applying for the Camp because you’ll meet interesting intelligence officers and network with other students. I was able to make friends from across the country and talk one-on-one with some of the CIA advisors who encouraged me to broaden my horizon. The camp was extraordinary; my thanks to NSHSS and the CIA for allowing me that opportunity."
"I was fortunate to have the opportunity to teach English in two orphanages on the New Mexico and Guatemala borders. I was led into this community of 33 orphans living in a home about the size of two school buses and asked to teach English. I feel really blessed that the Society honored and recognized my work in the orphanage because with the recognition of my work, I was able to make my dream of going to college a reality."
"I am so grateful for these years of NSHSS experiences. I have been awarded a full scholarship to participate as an ambassador in the prestigious Congress-Buderstag Youth Exchange Program funded by the US State Department, and I am studying abroad in Germany, where I am on the way to mastering my fourth language - Deutsche. I am a firm believer that languages are the tool to connect human beings, to expand my world view, and to appreciate cultural diversity. I was selected as a merit scholar at the University of Notre Dame majoring in Computer Science, and will stay committed to community service, which will have a lasting impact on the world."
"NSHSS has impacted my life by giving me unique opportunities to experience and explore career fields and work in environments that I would not have had the chance to explore otherwise. The STEM Camp was an experience that I will always remember, and is something unique that I guarantee I would not be able to do outside of NSHSS."
"NSHSS has been an invaluable part of my high school journey. Their commitment to recognizing and supporting high-achieving students has given me opportunities I am truly grateful for. Being a member has allowed me to connect with fellow scholars, access resources that have enhanced my learning, and engage in meaningful community service projects. NSHSS has not only celebrated academic excellence but also fostered personal growth and leadership skills. I'm thankful for the doors it has opened and the friendships I've made through this community."
"Without receiving the NSHSS Mental Health Awareness Scholarship, I would not have been able to attend a four-year university. This scholarship gave me a lot of confidence in breaking first-generation barriers and will definitely help me financially. Thank you!"
"I’ve been an NSHSS member since October 2023 and just recently got accepted to be an Ambassador! It’s a very exceptional and inspiring community to be a part of. NSHSS has so many amazing benefits and opportunities such as scholarships, workshops/meetings, and who doesn’t love discounts? I love the fact that they are able to bring students and people in general within this society together no matter the race, no matter the gender. Whether it’s online or in person meet and greets! There is something for everyone to receive from this community even if it’s just insight! I’m very grateful to be a part of this wonderful society and I believe you will too!"
"I have a deep appreciation for NSHSS due to the incredible opportunities it offers. Participating in an Instagram Takeover and being a panelist, sharing insights on winning scholarships, was an enriching experience. The chance to connect with like-minded individuals through networking has been invaluable, and I'm especially grateful for the scholarships I've been fortunate to receive. These scholarships are instrumental in helping me pursue my dream of graduating college without accumulating debt. I applaud NSHSS for its commitment to investing in the futures of students across the nation, including mine."
"NSHSS is amazing! I am proud to be surrounded by so many intelligent and ambitious peers. I have learned new leadership skills and how to improve as a person. I would definitely recommend any high school scholar to join!"
"NSHSS is an amazing organization! It has helped me through my college picking process! It is aiding me in becoming my most authentic self while making friends! Their Ambassador program allows so many more opportunities readily available to me. I am eternally grateful to be part of this high achieving organization."
"NSHSS is worth joining because you get many opportunities to improve our community. I have enjoyed getting opportunities to grow my leadership skills and build relationships with my community outside of school."
"I am truly honored to have been selected as a recipient of the Claes Nobel Academic Excellence Scholarship. Thank you to NSHSS for the generosity, which will allow me to further my education to become a nurse practitioner one day. With this scholarship, I will now be able to afford housing, tuition, and my school supplies. I will be forever grateful for the financial support provided by the Claes Nobel Academic Excellence Scholarship. I will continue to work hard and prove that the financial investment made for my education has been worthwhile."
"NSHSS is worth joining because it helps you so much with college, scholarships, and meeting other students and people that have the same focus, dream and work hard as you do. It also opens a big variety of different and important opportunities as a student."
"I want to thank the NSHSS for the support it has always given me. I have been part of this Society since my junior year in high school. I started as a general member then became an ambassador my senior year of high school and now I am part of the Collegiate Council. I can not thank the NSHSS enough for all the good it has contributed to my education and success."
"Being a part of the NSHSS has allowed me to make friends and connect with others in ways I never could’ve imagined. Being able to talk with kids like me about the things we are passionate about, even if they’re across the U.S., is something I would’ve never had without this organization. I’ve been able to work with so many amazing people, and have been given so many incredible opportunities to share my passions and to advance ahead of my peers. Amazing community of likeminded individuals, and support like no other."
"I am extremely grateful to be a part of an organization that represents leadership, teamwork, and values. I want to thank NSHSS for awarding me with this music scholarship. This means so much to me and I do not take this for granted. I will continue to practice the values that NSHSS represents further on into the future, even when I'm out of high school."
"I am truly humbled, honored, and grateful to be part of such an incredible organization that recognizes outstanding people who go over and above."
Member Qualifications
NSHSS recognizes young scholars who have demonstrated excellence through their academic achievements based on objective criteria, including grades and test scores. Students must meet any one of the following criteria to be considered for membership.